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Controls Engineer Intern Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Intern / Co-op

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... Strong fundamentals (data structures / algorithms or circuits / digital / embedded or controls ...

Engineering Intern / Co-op

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... Strong fundamentals (data structures / algorithms or circuits / digital / embedded or controls ...

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... Strong fundamentals (data structures / algorithms or circuits / digital / embedded or controls ...

Financial Management Program Internship

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Product Finance - Partners with product, engineering, and business teams to drive financial ... As an FMP Intern,you'llgain real-world experience, mentorship, and exposure to a global finance ...

Sales Interns

Bolingbrook, IL ยท On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

This role focuses on regional sales activity for engineered systems, products, and services. You ... Background in controls, automation, or related industries; experience with Woodward products is ...

Controls Engineer Intern information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Engineer Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer Intern, you need a foundation in electrical or mechanical engineering principles, familiarity with automation concepts, and enrollment in a relevant engineering degree program. Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI software, and CAD tools, as well as knowledge of industry standards, are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help interns excel in collaborative and fast-paced project environments. These skills and qualifications enable effective troubleshooting, system design, and integration essential for successful automation solutions.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer Intern vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Engineer InternControls Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering; internship experienceBachelor's or master's degree in engineering; professional certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in manufacturing or automation companies, supervised by experienced engineersFull-time role in design, development, and maintenance of control systems within industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies hiring interns to gain future talent; common in manufacturing, automation, and roboticsFull-time position in similar industries, focusing on project execution and system optimization

The Controls Engineer Intern role is an entry-level position designed for students gaining practical experience, while the Controls Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and maintaining control systems. Interns typically work under supervision, whereas engineers operate independently on complex projects.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Controls Engineer Intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Controls Engineer Intern, you can expect to support senior engineers on projects such as designing, programming, and testing automation systems used in manufacturing or industrial environments. Your daily tasks may include drafting electrical schematics, assisting with PLC programming, troubleshooting control panels, and helping to commission automated equipment. Interns often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers and technicians, to ensure smooth integration of control systems. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to real-world engineering challenges and can be a stepping stone to a full-time position.

What does a Controls Engineer Intern do?

A Controls Engineer Intern assists in designing, developing, and maintaining automated control systems used in manufacturing or industrial settings. Typical tasks include programming PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshooting equipment, and supporting senior engineers with system integration and testing. Interns gain hands-on experience with automation software and hardware, and they often contribute to projects that improve process efficiency and safety. This role is ideal for students in engineering fields who want practical experience in automation and controls technology.
What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Naperville, IL? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Naperville, IL? For Controls Engineer Intern jobs in Naperville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Controls Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Controls Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Intern job openings in Naperville, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Engineering Intern / Co-op

OceanComm, Inc.

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Full-time, Internship

PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Join OceanCommโ€™s engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other cutting-edge undersea technology. This is a hands-on role for students in electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, or related technical programs who want real experience at the intersection of acoustics, signal processing, machine learning, embedded systems, and robotics. You can pick a primary area while still having room to cross over. Weโ€™ll match projects to your skills and curiosity. Youโ€™ll work closely with experienced engineers, receive training, and contribute to products used in defense, offshore energy, and oceanographic research. Many of our past interns have gone on to join OceanComm full-time. Strong performers will be considered for a full-time role after graduation.

About Us

Underwater, the wireless transfer of a single picture used to take an hour. We brought to market wireless modems that transfer data 100 to 1,000 times faster. Legacy modems were basically status/command links; our modems can control undersea drones with live video feedback, a game changer for exploring the underwater world. Because radio waves attenuate quickly underwater, our modems use sound waves to communicate. Leading organizations in defense, offshore energy and oceanographic research rely on OceanComm to keep their undersea drones connected.

Requirements

  • Actively enrolled in an academic program, not a recent graduate
  • Full-time, on-site commitment for a minimum of 12 weeks
  • Majoring in EE / CompE / MechE (or related)
  • Strong fundamentals (data structures / algorithms or circuits / digital / embedded or controls / mechanical design)
  • Proficiency in at least one of: C, C++, or Python; comfort with Git and writing unit tests
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Due to export-controlled work, candidates must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. ยง 1324b)
What Will Put You Ahead
  • Substantial projects (repo or short write-up)
  • Understanding of machine learning / signal processing fundamentals
  • Comfort with linear algebra
  • Experience with web development (especially TypeScript / Vue)
  • Experience with ROV / AUV hardware / software / control (e.g. ROS2)
  • Experience with CAD / 3D printing
  • Familiarity with lab equipment (e.g. oscilloscopes, probes, debuggers)
  • Familiarity with device interfaces (e.g. Ethernet, CAN, IยฒC, SPI)
  • Familiarity with embedded development (e.g. bootloaders, device trees, drivers, RTOS)
  • Familiarity with Operating Systems concepts (e.g. schedulers, mutexes, virtual memory)
  • Experience with FPGA / RTL (e.g. SystemVerilog, UVM, cocotb)

Benefits

  • Close mentorship and training
  • End-to-end ownership of a scoped, impactful project
  • End-of-internship demo day
  • Paid vacation
Compensation

The pay range for this position is $35 โ€“ $55 per hour. Actual pay will depend on the candidateโ€™s experience and skills demonstrated during interviews and other evaluations.

OceanComm is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vet.